Yes, the long, long developing sequel to Roman Emmerich‘s smash hit “Independence Day” is really and truly closer to actually happening. Why? It just got a release date.

Fox is planting the flag on July 3, 2015 for Will Smith to once again say, “Welcome to Earth!” Maybe. The picky actor has been non-committal thus far about coming back, though Bill Pullmanrecently revealed that if the Fresh Prince doesn’t find it fly to reprise his role, the screenwriters have a contingency plan. Our guess? Following the flop of “After Earth,” Smith will be eager to get back in the spotlight of success, with a movie that’s a slam dunk, and he’ll return. And that’s all fine and good, but without Jeff Goldblum, then we don’t care. So make that happen Emmerich.

Earlier in the year, Emmerich suggested there were actually two sequels in the works — carrying the new handle “ID Forever Part 1” and “ID Forever Part 2” — but whether or not that’s still the plan, isn’t quite clear. Either way, we’re sure Emmerich is researching more monuments to destroy in spectacular, expensive fashion, so hooray America!

It’s yet another humungo movie on the calendar for 2015, which is shaping up to give fans of quieter, less branded and more thoughtful movies the middle finger. To recap, here’s what you’re going to be spending your money on in a couple of years: “The Avengers 2,” “Star Wars: Episode VII,” “The Fantastic Four,” “Ant-Man,” “Pirates Of The Caribbean 5,” “Jurassic Park 4” and finale of “The Hunger Games” all due in 2015 (and let’s not forget a possible “Man Of Steel 2“). Do your eyeballs hurt yet?